'Boys Get Offensive - Draft RB

With the No. 22 selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Arkansas running back Felix Jones.

For the first time since 1997, the Dallas Cowboys have selected an offensive player with a first round selection.

Felix Jones (5-10, 207), widely considered one of the top four running backs available in the 2008 draft, is now officially a Dallas Cowboy.

"Felix has shown he flourishes in a two-back system and he really is comfortable there," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. "There are no issues with two backs with Felix. That had some bearing [in picking Jones or Rashard Mendenhall]".

Last year as a junior, Jones rushed 133 times for 1,162 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 16 passses for another 176 yards.

As a sophomore, Jones recorded 154 carries for 1,168 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

At Arkansas he teamed with Darren McFadden to produce one of the most explosive running back combinations in the history of college football.

McFadden was taken No. 4 by the Oakland Raiders earlier in the day.

Jones will likely serve as Pro Bowler Marion Barber's backup and should offer the perfect complement to his bruising style.

He also will get a chance at returning kicks.

"He gave us that dimension that we didn't have," said head coach Wade Phillips. "We have a little more versatility in our offense now. And he is also a standout kickoff return guy."

Jones was rated as the No. 4 running back available in this year's draft, behind McFadden, Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall and Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart.

The Ranch Report correctly predicted the Cowboys would select Jones in the first round on Monday, April 21 and again in our final prediction article Saturday morning.

TheRanchReport.com's Scouting Report: Exciting zone runner with the speed to get the corner and outrun the pursuit angle. Is sudden with vision & ability to plant and go. Shows multiple cutting skills, good hands and was dangerous in space. Has bouncy legs and the ability break secured tackles. Not a lot of thread off the tires having been a back up throughout his entire career.